It is the mission of the Paramedic Academy to strive and provide students and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professions an educational program that is state of the art and dynamic as the services they perform.

It is our vision that in order to provide students and the EMS community with an educational format that is state of the art we will need to utilize the resources set forth by the National Assoc. of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) and the Commission on Accreditation of EMS programs. We will pursue the challenges in obtaining and maintaining continuous accreditation. With constant evaluation of student/instructor performance we can deliver an educational model that is continuously improved.

In an effort to comply with the recommendations of the Joint commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the majority of the major healthcare facilities and agencies utilized by the College for clinical training require that each student undergo and pass a student background check prior to participating in clinical rotations. Each student, at his/her expense, is responsible for acquiring the student background check report and authorizing the submission of results to the college.

No student will be permitted to participate in a clinical rotation until the results have been received, reviewed, and accepted by the designated program director. Failure to submit to and pass the required student background check will result in the student being terminated from the respective program.

Students accepted into certain programs, will be required to have a physical examination, a chest X-ray and/or PPD, lab tests, required immunizations, and a criminal background check. These are required in order to comply with the program and clinical agencies’ contractual requirements. Also, the following items are commonly required: a current American Heart Association CPR Certificate and liability insurance (certain limits apply). Most Health Sciences programs have a group policy available, or the students may purchase their own policy. All of the above will be completed at the student’s expense. In most cases these items will be completed, with copies submitted, before the first day of the semester. Not submitting the required documentation may preclude the student’s ability to continue in the program.

Details regarding these requirements may be obtained from the respective program.

It is always recommended that students considering a career or transfer for an advanced degree in health careers meet with Diane Wollan, VVC Counselor. Contact the Counseling Department for an appointment. Walk—in appointments are also available during certain times of the semester. They can be reached at (760) 245-4271, Extension 2296.